Kataeb lawmaker Elias Hankach on Friday deemed the increase of customs taxes at the rate of LBP 20,000 against the dollar as a crime.

“Raising customs tariffs will lead to hyperinflation, reduction of purchasing power, deprivation, smuggling and no additional revenues for the State,” Hankach wrote on twitter.

“In a bid to avoid all these problems, customs dollar must be increased gradually. The State should also take a strict decision on controlling prices and limiting smuggling,” he added.